C018/Y01734.json

[
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1734", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-03-02-0016-0002", "content": "Title: [Parents and Boyhood]\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n      My Father married Susanna Boylston in October 1734, and on the 19th of October 1735 I was born. As my Parents were both fond of reading, and my father had destined his first born, long before his birth to a public Education I was very early taught to read at home and at a School of Mrs. Belcher the Mother of Deacon Moses Belcher, who lived in the next house on the opposite side of the Road. I shall not consume much paper in relating the Anecdotes of my Youth. I was sent to the public School close by the Stone Church, then kept by Mr. Joseph Cleverly, who died this Year 1802 at the Age of Ninety. Mr. Cleverly was through his whole Life the most indolent Man I ever knew excepting Mr. Wibirt though a tolerable Schollar and a Gentleman. His inattention to his Schollars was such as gave me a disgust to Schools, to books and to study and I spent my time as idle Children do in making and sailing boats and Ships upon the Ponds and Brooks, in making and flying Kites, in driving hoops, playing marbles, playing Quoits, Wrestling, Swimming, Skaiting and above all in shooting, to which Diversion I was addicted to a degree of Ardor which I know not that I ever felt for any other Business, Study or Amusement.\n      My Enthusiasm for Sports and Inattention to Books, allarmed my Father, and he frequently entered into conversation with me upon the Subject. I told him I did not love Books and wished he would lay aside the thoughts of sending me to Colledge. What would you do Child? Be a Farmer. A Farmer? Well I will shew you what it is to be a Farmer. You shall go with me to Penny ferry tomorrow Morning and help me get Thatch. I shall be very glad to go Sir.\u2014Accordingly next morning he took me with him, and with great good humour kept me all day with him at Work. At night at home he said Well John are you satisfied with being a Farmer. Though the Labour had been very hard and very muddy I answered I like it very well Sir. Ay but I dont like it so well: so you shall go to School to day. I went but was not so happy as among the Creek Thatch. My School master neglected to put me into Arithmetick longer than I thought was right, and I resented it. I procured me Cockers I believe and applyd myself to it at home alone and went through the whole Course, overtook and passed by all the Schollars at School, without any master. I dared not ask my fathers Assistance because he would have disliked my Inattention to my Latin. In this idle Way I passed on till fourteen and upwards, when I said to my Father very seriously I wished he would take me from School and let me go to work upon the Farm. You know said my father I have set my heart upon your Education at Colledge and why will you not comply with my desire. Sir I dont like my Schoolmaster. He is so negligent and so cross that I never can learn any thing under him. If you will be so good as to perswade Mr. Marsh to take me, I will apply myself to my Studies as closely as my nature will admit, and go to Colledge as soon as I can be prepared. Next Morning the first I heard was John I have perswaded Mr. Marsh to take you, and you must go to school there to day. This Mr. Marsh was a Son of our former Minister of that name, who kept a private Boarding School but two doors from my Fathers. To this School I went, where I was kindly treated, and I began to study in Earnest. My Father soon observed the relaxation of my Zeal for my Fowling Piece, and my daily encreasing Attention to my Books. In a little more than a Year Mr. Marsh pronounced me fitted for Colledge. On the day appointed at Cambridge for the Examination of Candidates for Admission I mounted my horse and called upon Mr. Marsh, who was to go with me. The Weather was dull and threatened rain. Mr. Marsh said he was unwell and afraid to go out. I must therefore go alone. Thunder struck at this unforeseen disappointment, And terrified at the Thought of introducing myself to such great Men as the President and fellows of a Colledge, I at first resolved to return home: but foreseeing the Grief of my father and apprehending he would not only be offended with me, but my Master too whom I sincerely loved, I arroused my self, and collected Resolution enough to proceed. Although Mr. Marsh had assured me that he had seen one of the Tutors the last Week and had said to him, all that was proper for him to say if he should go to Cambridge; that he was not afraid to trust me to an Examination and was confident I should acquit my self well and be honourably admitted; yet I had not the same confidence in my self, and suffered a very melancholly Journey. Arrived at Cambridge I presented myself according to my directions and underwent the usual Examination by the President Mr. Holyoke and the Tutors Flint, Hancock, Mayhew and Marsh. Mr. Mayhew into whose Class We were to be admitted, presented me a Passage of English to translate into Latin. It was long and casting my Eye over it I found several Words the latin for which did not occur to my memory. Thinking that I must translate it without a dictionary, I was in a great fright and expected to be turned by, an Event that I dreaded above all things. Mr. Mayhew went into his Study and bid me follow him. There Child, said he is a dictionary, there a Gramar, and there Paper, Pen and Ink, and you may take your own time. This was joyfull news to me and I then thought my Admission safe. The Latin was soon made, I was declared Admitted and a Theme given me, to write on in the Vacation. I was as light when I came home as I had been heavy when I went: my Master was well pleased and my Parents very happy. I spent the Vacation not very profitably chiefly in reading Magazines and a British Apollo. I went to Colledge at the End of it and took the Chamber assigned me and my place in the Class under Mr. Mayhew. I found some better Schollars than myself, particularly Lock, Hemmenway and Tisdale. The last left Colledge before the End of the first Year, and what became of him I know not. Hemmenway still lives a great divine, and Lock has been President of Harvard Colledge a Station for which no Man was better qualified. With these I ever lived in friendship, without Jealousy or Envy. I soon became intimate with them, and began to feel a desire to equal them in Science and Literature. In the Sciences especially Mathematicks, I soon surpassed them, mainly because, intending to go into the Pulpit, they thought Divinity and the Classicks of more Importance to them. In Litterature I never overtook them.\n      Here it may be proper to recollect something which makes an Article of great importance in the Life of every Man. I was of an amorous disposition and very early from ten or eleven Years of Age, was very fond of the Society of females. I had my favorites among the young Women and spent many of my Evenings in their Company and this disposition although controlled for seven Years after my Entrance into College returned and engaged me too much till I was married. I shall draw no Characters nor give any enumeration of my youthfull flames. It would be considered as no compliment to the dead or the living: This I will say\u2014they were all modest and virtuous Girls and always maintained this Character through Life. No Virgin or Matron ever had cause to blush at the sight of me, or to regret her Acquaintance with me. No Father, Brother, Son or Friend ever had cause of Grief or Resentment for any Intercourse between me and any Daughter, Sister, Mother, or any other Relation of the female Sex. My Children may be assured that no illegitimate Brother or Sister exists or ever existed. These Reflections, to me consolatory beyond all expression, I am able to make with truth and sincerity and I presume I am indebted for this blessing to my Education. My Parents held every Species of Libertinage in such Contempt and horror, and held up constantly to view such pictures of disgrace, of baseness and of Ruin, that my natural temperament was always overawed by my Principles and Sense of decorum. This Blessing has been rendered the more prescious to me, as I have seen enough of the Effects of a different practice. Corroding Reflections through Life are the never failing consequence of illicit amours, in old as well as in new Countries. The Happiness of Life depends more upon Innocence in this respect, than upon all the Philosophy of Epicurus, or of Zeno without it. I could write Romances, or Histories as wonderfull as Romances of what I have known or heard in France, Holland and England, and all would serve to confirm what I learned in my Youth in America, that Happiness is lost forever if Innocence is lost, at least untill a Repentance is undergone so severe as to be an overballance to all the gratifications of Licentiousness. Repentance itself cannot restore the Happiness of Innocence, at least in this Life.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1734},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1734", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-01-02-0109", "content": "Title: Sarah Read to Benjamin and Deborah Franklin: Bargain and Sale, 9 April 1734\nFrom: Read, Sarah\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin,Franklin, Deborah\nThis document and the two which immediately follow record the first transactions in the drawn-out process by which Franklin put together the various parcels of land on the south side of Market Street (also called High Street) between Third and Fourth Streets which became the site of his home. The plot involved here, corresponding to the later No. 318 Market Street, was granted by William Penn to Henry Hayes, April 7, 1707. It was 33 ft. broad and 306 deep and lay between a lot on the west which Penn had granted to Samuel Carpenter and others in 1705 and one on the east he had granted to William Boulding in 1706, parts of both of which Franklin later acquired. Hayes sold the eastern half of his lot (16\u00bd ft.) to William Davis, April 12, 1711, and on May 24 of the same year Davis transferred it to John Read, carpenter, father of Franklin\u2019s future wife, Deborah. By two documents dated December 10 and 11, 1716, Hayes sold the western half (16\u00bd ft.) to John Read, and, because Davis\u2019 transfer of the eastern half to Read had been insufficient in legal form, Hayes confirmed Read\u2019s possession by an instrument dated December 12, 1716.\nOn February 18, 1723/4, John Read mortgaged the entire property to the Trustees of the General Loan Office for \u00a356 5s. in bills of credit of the first Pennsylvania issue (see above, p. 139) with surety in double the amount of the loan. He died September 2 of the same year without having paid the loan; in time the Trustees brought an action in the Court of Common Pleas for the default against his administratrix and widow, Sarah Read, and secured execution on the property for \u00a3115 1s. 1d., representing principal, interest, and damages. At the sheriff\u2019s auction sale which followed, Sarah Read bought the property in for \u00a3354 and received a sheriff\u2019s deed dated September 3, 1729. She now had clear title to what had been her husband\u2019s land, on each half of which there apparently stood at the time a small house near the street.\nOn April 9\u201311, 1734, Mrs. Read entered into a series of transactions with her son John and her two sons-in-law and daughters, Benjamin and Deborah Franklin and John and Frances Croker, by which she transferred title to the western half-lot and its dwelling house to John Read, Junior, and title to the eastern half-lot and its dwelling house in equal undivided half-interest to the Franklins and Crokers, but received back from the latter couples a lease for 99 years or life at the nominal annual rental of \u201cone Pepper corn only if demanded.\u201d The first two documents here printed record the transfer of one half-interest to the Franklins; similar documents, not here printed, conveyed the other half-interest to the Crokers. These indentures follow the cumbersome form of conveyancing commonly used in England in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. An indenture of \u201cbargain and sale,\u201d leasing the property for a specific term, often one year, placed the lessee in actual possession, as permitted by the Statute of Uses of 1535. The lessor, who now had only a reversionary interest, could sign, ostensibly on the next day, an indenture of \u201crelease,\u201d which operated at common law to convey that interest, and with it the freehold, to the lessee. This procedure of \u201clease and release,\u201d awkward as it seems today, became popular because it avoided the costly medieval requirement of livery of seisin.\nThe third document here printed, dated April 11, 1734, is a lease from the Franklins and Crokers to Mrs. Read restoring to her the life use of their half-lot and dwelling house.\nThis Indenture made the Ninth day of April in the Seventh Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith &c Annoque Domini One thousand Seven hundred and Thirty Four BETWEEN Sarah Read of the City of Philadelphia Widow of the one part and Benjamin Franklyn of the same Place Printer and Deborah his Wife of the other part WITNESSETH That the said Sarah Read in Consideration of Five Shillings to her paid by the said Benjamin Franklyn and Deborah his Wife HATH Bargained and Sold and by these Presents DOTH Bargain and Sell unto the said Benjamin Franklyn and Deborah his Wife One full Equal and undivided half part the whole into two Equal parts to be divided of ALL THAT Messuage or Tenement and Lott of Land thereto belonging Scituate on the South side of High Street in the City of Philadelphia aforesaid Containing in Breadth Sixteen Foot and a half and in Length Three hundred and Six foot bounded Northward with the said High Street Eastward with a Lott late of William Boulding deceased Southward with the Ends of Chesnutt Street Lotts and Westward with a Messuage and Lott now or late of the said Sarah Read Together with all and Singular the Buildings Improvements Rights Members Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging and the Revertion and Revertions Remainder and Remainders Rents Issues and Profits thereof TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said One full Equal and undivided half part the whole in two Equal parts to be divided of the said Messuage or Tenement Lott of Land and Premisses hereby Bargained and Sold with their and every of their Appurtenances unto the said Benjamin Franklyn and Deborah his Wife their Executors Administrators and Assigns from the day next before the day of the date hereof for and during and unto the full End and Term of one whole Year from thence next Ensuing and fully to be compleat and Ended YEILDING AND PAYING therefore the Rent of a Pepper corn only if demanded at the End of the said Term To the Intent that by virtue of these Presents and of the Statute made for transferring Uses into Possession the said Benjamin Franklyn and Deborah his Wife may be in the Actual Possession of all and Singular the Premisses with the Appurtenances and thereby be Enabled to Accept a Grant and Release thereof and of the Revertion and Inheritance thereof to them and their Heirs to the only proper Use and Behoof of them their Heirs and Assigns for Ever. In Witness whereof the Parties to these Presents have hereunto Sett their Hands and Seals the day and Year First above written.\nSarah Read [Seal]\n  Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of Us \u2003John Jones junr \u2003Thos. Hopkinson 1734\n Endorsed: Lease for a Year Read to Franklyn et ux\nDatd April 9th 1734.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1734},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1734", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-01-02-0110", "content": "Title: Sarah Read to Benjamin and Deborah Franklin: Release, 10 April 1734\nFrom: Read, Sarah\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin,Franklin, Deborah\nThis Indenture made the Tenth day of April in the Seventh Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith &c Annoque Domini One thousand Seven hundred and Thirty Four between Sarah Read of the City of Philadelphia Widow of the one part and Benjamin Franklyn of the same Place Printer and Deborah his Wife which said Deborah is one of the Daughters of the said Sarah Read of the other part Witnesseth That the said Sarah Read for and in Consideration of the Natural Love and Affection which she hath and beareth unto the said Deborah Franklyn and for her better Preferment and Advancement in the World and also in Consideration of Five Shillings to her the said Sarah Read in hand Paid by the said Benjamin Franklyn at or before the Sealing or delivery of these Presents the Receipt whereof She doth hereby Acknowledge hath Given Granted Aliened Enfeoffed and Confirmed and by these Presents doth Give Grant Alien Enfeoff and Confirm unto the said Benjamin Franklyn and Deborah his Wife in their Actual Possession now being by Virture of a Bargain and Sale to them thereof made for one whole Year by Indenture bearing date the day next before the day of the date of these Presents and by Force of the Statute made for transferring Uses into Possession and to their Heirs and Assigns One full Equal and undivided half part the whole in two equal parts to be divided of all that Messuage or Tenement and Lott of Land thereto belonging Scituate on the South side of High Street in the City of Philadelphia aforesaid Containing in breadth Sixteen Foot and a half and in Length Three hundred and Six Feet bounded Northward with the said High Street Eastward with a Lott late of William Boulding deceased Southward with the Ends of Chesnutt Street Lotts and Westward with a Messuage and Lott now or late of the said Sarah Read Together with all and Singular the Buildings Improvements Rights Members Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging and the Revertion and Revertions Remainder and Remainders Rents Issues and Profits thereof and all the Estate Right Title Interest Property Claim and demand whatsoever of her the said Sarah Read of in and to the same to have and to hold the said One full Equal and undivided half part the whole in two Equal parts to be divided of the said Messuage or Tenement Lott of Land and Premisses hereby granted or mentioned to be granted with their and every of their Appurtenances unto the said Benjamin Franklyn and Deborah his Wife their Heirs and Assigns for Ever To the only proper Use and Behoof of the said Benjamin Franklyn and Deborah his Wife their Heirs and Assigns for Ever And the said Sarah Read doth for herself her Heirs Executors and Administrators Covenant Promise and Grant to and with the said Benjamin Franklyn and Deborah his Wife their Heirs and Assigns That the said Benjamin Franklyn and Deborah his Wife their Heirs and Assigns shall and lawfully may from time to time and at all times hereafter Peaceably and Quietly have hold Use Occupy Possess and Enjoy the said Moiety or half part of the said Messuage or Tenement Lott and Premisses with the Appurtenances hereby granted without any Lett Suit Trouble Hindrance or Interruption whatsoever of her the said Sarah Read her Heirs Executors or Administrators or any Person or Persons claiming or to claim by from or under her And that She the said Sarah Read her Heirs Executors or Administrators Shall and will at any time or times hereafter upon the Request and at the Costs and Charges in the Law of the said Benjamin Franklyn and Deborah his Wife their Heirs or Assigns make do and Execute or cause to be made done and Executed all and every such further or other lawful Act or Acts Deed or Deeds Conveyances and Assurances in the Law for the further better more Perfect and absolute Granting Releasing and confirming the said Moiety or half part of the said Messuage or Tenement and Lott of Land and Premisses herein granted with the Appurtenances unto the said Benjamin Franklyn and Deborah his Wife their Heirs and Assigns for Ever as by the said Benjamin Franklyn and Deborah his Wife their Heirs or Assigns or his or their Counsil learned in the Law shall be devised or advised and required In Witness whereof the parties to these Presents have hereunto sett their Hands and Seals the day and Year first above written.\nSarah Read [Seal]\n  Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of Us \u2003John Jones junr \u2003Thos. Hopkinson 1734\nEndorsed: Deed of Gift from Sarah Read to Benjamin Franklyn and his Wife of \u00bd a Messuage &c. in High Street\nDat 10 Apl 1734\nAlso Endorsed: Memorandum the 14th Day of February Ao. Di. 1757 Before me Charles Brockden One of the Justices of the Peace &c. personally appeared Sarah Read within named [and did Acknowledge] the within written Indenture to be her Deed and desired that the Same may be Recorded as her Act In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand and Seal the Day and Year aforesaid.\nC. Brockden [Seal]\nRECORDED in the Office for Recording of Deeds for the City and County of Philadelphia in Book H vol. 7. p. 433 &c. the 21st of February Ao. Di. 1757, As Witnesseth my Hand and Seal of my Office.\nC. Brockden Recr.\nAcd. 14 Feb. 57 C B", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1734},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1734", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-01-02-0112", "content": "Title: From a Reader to the Printer, 11 April 1734\nFrom: \nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n  The following I have just now received exactly as I here give it.\n  Mr. Franklin,\nTho\u2019 your News-paper is sometimes as empty as those of others, yet I think you have for the most part (tho\u2019 you were once in one particular a sad Offender) had the Modesty to keep it pretty clear of Scandal, a Subject that others delight to wallow in. These People, probably from some Corruption in themselves, and possibly from their own Stench, seem to think every thing around them tainted: But that they may see their own Picture, and learn to know what they are doing weekly, pray let your Paper hold the following Glass to them, and as they like the Figure they may proceed for the future; others, however, will find by it what Judgment to make of them. It is a Performance of the immortal Mr. Addison, who to his own and the lasting Honour of the English Nation, labour\u2019d hard, and sometimes with Success, to reform the Follies and Vices of his Country. You may leave out that part of the third Paragraph from the third Line to the End, as foreign to the Subject. Yours, &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1734},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1734", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-01-02-0113", "content": "Title: Bill to Thomas Penn, 18 May 1734\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Penn, Thomas\nHonorable Thos. Penn Esq. Dr.\nMay 18.\nFor printing and Paper of 200 Cases at 2d. per.\nFor a Supplement to the same\nMr. Steel\nFor 300 Warrants a 1d. per.\n6 quire Paper a 1s. 3d.\nFor binding a Book\nFor 2 Sermons\nAugt.\nFor printing zoo Bonds at 1d.\nPaper 4 quire a 12d.\nFor printing 1000 Bonds and Warrants at 1d. each\nPaper 20 quire at 1s. a quire\nFor Large Advertisements\nDitto in Gazette\nOct. 20\nFor a Sheet Pasteboard\nFor Dutch Advts\nFor the Gazette 2 Years\nFor binding Catesby\u2019s Birds and gilding\nD[itt]o A. Arscot\nFor a Book of Constitutions", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1734},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1734", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-01-02-0114", "content": "Title: Thomas Godfrey to the Printer of the Gazette, 15 August 1734\nFrom: Godfrey, Thomas\nTo: Printer of the Gazette\nMr. Franklin,\nThe Germans, an industrious and indefatigable People, have been always famous for their Penetration into the more dark and abstruse Parts of Learning, such as border upon Magic not excepted. Of this Nation was the renowned Agrippa, Dr. Faustus, and several others that might be named. Their Skill in the most subtle and mischievous Arts, not being at all doubted of by their Enemies, who by frequent Experience have been made too sensible of it, I admire that any Prince in Europe has the Courage to engage in War with them. I have been formerly told of a certain Virtuoso of that Country, then living, who made himself a Gun (under a particular Configuration of the Heavenly Bodies) which had this wonderful Property, That if walking in the Woods at any Time without it, he happened to see a Deer, or any other Creature that fled from him, he could go home and fire his Piece up the Chimney, when the Shot, by an inevitable Necessity, would proceed directly to the Game, at whatever Distance, and kill it dead. Such a Philosopher as this (I thought) could never fail of Encouragement and Promotion; but it seems throughout the late long Peace he has been neglected. I, who am in my Heart on the Side of the Emperor, was afraid lest so useful a Marksman might be dead: But, to my great Satisfaction, I perceive by an Article of News in Mr. Bradford\u2019s Paper of the first Instant, that he is still living, and prefer\u2019d to the Post of Gunner of the important Fortress of Philipsburgh; For no one but he could have kill\u2019d the Duke of Berwick, upon the Rhine, and the Duke of Savoy in Italy, Countries so vastly distant, both with the same Shot. I am Yours, &c.\nT.G.\nP.S. It were to be wish\u2019d the Public had been informed how long the King of Sardinia surviv\u2019d the Duke of Savoy: For he it seems is also kill\u2019d with a Cannon Shot, doubtless by the same Gunner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1734},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1734", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-01-02-0115", "content": "Title: Admission of John Mifflin to Library Company, 27 August 1734\nFrom: Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia\nTo: \n27th of Augst. 1734\nSuch of the Directors of the Library Company as approve of John Mifflin\u2019s being admitted a Member are desired to shew their Consent by subscribing their Names hereto\nB. Franklin\nHugh Roberts\nJohn Jones Junr\nThos. Hopkinson 1734\nFras. Richardson\nThos. Cadwalader\nWm Rawle\nPhilip Syng Junr\nThos Godfrey\nWm. Coleman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1734},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1734", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-01-02-0117", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Price, 28 November 1734\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Price, Henry\nDear Brother Price,\nPhiladelphia, Nov. 28, 1734\nI am glad to hear of your recovery. I hoped to have seen you here this Fall, agreeable to the expectation you were so good as to give me; but since sickness has prevented your coming while the weather was moderate, I have no room to flatter myself with a visit from you before the Spring, when a deputation of the Brethren here will have an opportunity of showing how much they esteem you. I beg leave to recommend their request to you, and to inform you, that some false and rebel Brethren, who are foreigners, being about to set up a distinct Lodge in opposition to the old and true Brethren here, pretending to make Masons for a bowl of punch, and the Craft is like to come into disesteem among us unless the true Brethren are countenanced and distinguished by some such special authority as herein desired. I entreat, therefore, that whatever you shall think proper to do therein may be sent by the next post, if possible, or the next following. I am, Your affectionate Brother and humble Servant\nB. Franklin, G.M. Pennsylvania\nP.S. If more of the Constitutions are wanted among you, please hint it to me.\n Addressed: To Mr. Henry Price At the Brazen Head Boston, N. E.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1734},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1734", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-01-02-0118", "content": "Title: Extracts from the Gazette, 1734\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \n\t[Advertisement] A Servant Lad\u2019s Time for near Five years to be disposed of, on Reasonable Terms. He is by Trade a Taylor, and can work very well. Enquire of the Printer hereof. [January 30]\n\tSaturday last a Marriage was consummated between Wm. Allen, Esq; one of the Principal Merchants of this City; and Mrs. Margaret Hamilton, only daughter of Andrew Hamilton, Esq; a young Lady of great Merit. [February 20]\n\tOn Tuesday last a Widow of this Town was married in her Shift, without any other Apparel; upon a Supposition that such a Procedure would secure her Husband in the Law from being sued for any Debts of his Predecessor. [February 27]\n\tJust Published; The Laws of this Province which were passed in the last Sitting of Assembly; viz. The Excise Act, the Flour Act, and two others. Sold by the Printer hereof; Price 1s. 6d. [March 21]\nTo BE Sold BY THE Printer HEREOF, the following Books. Westindia Coasting Pilot. Newhouse\u2019s Navigation. Pattoun\u2019s Navigation. Key of Commerce. Lex Mercatoria. Euclid\u2019s Elements by William Whiston. Burnet\u2019s Theory of the Earth, 2 Vols. Lock on Human Understanding, 2 Vols. Blackmore\u2019s Prince Arthur. London Dispensatory. Blancard\u2019s Physical Dictionary. Geo. Fox\u2019s Journal. Basnages History of the Jews. Van Helmont\u2019s Works. Cowley\u2019s Works. Cambden\u2019s Britannia. Raleigh\u2019s History of the World. Builders Vademecum. Trader\u2019s Vademecum. Barclay\u2019s Apology. Willard on the Catechism. Ditton on the Resurrection. English Liberties. Accidences, Nomenclator\u2019s, Cato\u2019s, and other School Books of various Sorts. Account Books of large Demi Paper and small Paper. Beavan\u2019s Primitive Christianity. Honour of the Gout. Greek Lexicon. Latin Dictionary. Bibles of several Sorts, and several Sorts of Histories.\nWhere may be also had, Quadrants, Forestaffs, Nocturnals, Mariner\u2019s Compasses. [March 21]\n\t[Advertisement] Ready Money for old Rags, may be had of the Printer hereof. [April 11]\n\tOn Monday last in the Forenoon a Fire broke out in a Pot-house near Walnut-Street; and the Weather having been extream dry a great while together, it burnt very furiously, and by the Flakes of burning Shingles that were carried thro\u2019 the Air, several of the neighbouring Houses, and some at a considerable Distance were set on fire also. The Pot-House and a Carpenter\u2019s Shop adjoining were both consumed; but by the Diligence and Activity of the People, and especially by the Assistance of the Engines, it was prevented from spreading further. It is thought by some that the Engines sav\u2019d the Town several Thousand Pounds that Day. [April 18]\n\t[Advertisement] Very good Live Geese Feathers to be sold at the Printers hereof. [April 25]\n\t[Advertisement] The Subscribers to the Library in Philadelphia are hereby advertised, that Monday the 6th of May ensuing, at Two in the Afternoon, is the Time appointed for the Choice of Directors and a Treasurer for the succeeding Year, and for making the second annual Payment, at the House of John Roberts in High-street near the Market. J. Breintnal, Secr.\n\t[April 25]\n\t[Advertisement] To be Sold, Nine Thousand Foot of seasoned Merchantable Boards, at a Reasonable Price. Inquire of the Printer. [May 2]\n\t[Advertisement] Very good single Refin\u2019d Loaf Sugar sold reasonable by the great or small Quantity, at the Printer\u2019s hereof. Also Coffee, and Cases of Bottles. [May 9]\n\tLast Night a Fire broke out in a back Building behind Dr. Jones\u2019s in Market-Street but was soon extinguish\u2019d. It being difficult at first to get Water for the Engines, \u2019tis thought the Fire would have risen to a great Head there abouts, if so much Rain had not fallen Yesterday as made every Thing very wet. Where there is not Pumps in Yards, it is to be wish\u2019d that People would keep Hogsheads of Water always ready for such Occasions, as they are obliged by Law to do in some Cities. [May 23]\n\t[Advertisement] Two likely young Negroes, one a Lad about 19: The other a Girl of 15, to be sold. Inquire of the Printer. [May 23]\nMonday last a Young Child fell into a Tub of Water in Chesnut-Street, and was unhappily drowned before any body perceiv\u2019d it.\nThe same Day Ralph Hoy of New-Castle, fell out of a Boat coming up from thence hither, within Sight of this Town, and was drowned.\nAnd the same Day, a Woman offering to pawn the Case of a Watch, it was carried to a Silversmith\u2019s in order to be valued, and there discover\u2019d to belong to the Watch late-advertised in this Paper as stolen out of the House of Richard Smith during the Hurry of the late Fire; upon which the Woman was taken up, confess\u2019d the Fact, restor\u2019d the rest of the Watch, and was committed to Prison. [June 6]\nMonday last, a Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons in this Province, was held at the Tun Tavern in Water-Street, when Benjamin Franklin being elected Grand-Master for the Year ensuing, appointed Mr. John Crap, to be his Deputy; and James Hamilton, Esq; and Thomas Hopkinson, Gent. were chosen Wardens. After which, a very elegant Entertainment was provided, and the Proprietor, the Governor, and several other Persons of Distinction honour\u2019d the Society with their Presence. [June 27]\n[Advertisement] Lately imported and to be sold by the Printer hereof, large Bibles with the Common Prayer, Apocrypha, and Concordance; small gilt Bibles with the Common Prayer and new Version of Psalms; Common Bibles; Testaments of a large print; Psalters; Account Books of all Sizes; Demi Royal, large Post, and Common Paper; Sealing-wax superfine and common; Ink powder the best; with several other Sorts of Stationary Ware.\nWhere may be had all sorts of Blanks in the most authentick Forms, and correctly printed. [July 4]\n\tThe Weather has been so excessive hot here for a Week past, that a great Number of People have fainted and fallen into Convulsions, and several have died in a few Hours after they were taken. From the Country round about we hear that a great many of the Harvest People faint in the Fields, and \u2019tis said that in some Places a multitude of Birds are found dead. Excepting the Hot Summer about 7 Years since, such Weather has not been known in this Country in the memory of Man. [July 11]\n\t[Advertisement] Very good Lampblack made and sold by the Printer hereof. [July 11]\n\t[Advertisement] In Second Street over against the Sign of the Bible, is taught the Arts Mathematical, viz. Arithmetic in all its Parts, Geometry, Mensuration, Surveying, Gauging, Trigonometry, Navigation, Dialling and Astronomy, the use of the Globes and other Mathematical Instruments, according to the most approv\u2019d Methods, by Theophilus Grew. He also teaches Algebra or the Analytical Art, with the Laws and Properties of Motion, a thing absolutely necessary to a right understanding of the Modern Philosophy. He designs, if he finds Encouragement, to make it his whole business, in order to instruct the young Gentlemen and Youth of the Town, and will give Attendance in his Room up one pair of Stairs from nine to twelve in the Morning, from two to five in the Afternoon, and from Six to Nine in the Evening, as it shall suit each ones conveniency. [July 25]\n\tBy being too nice in the Choice of the little Pieces sent me by my Correspondents to be printed, I had almost discouraged them from writing to me any more. For the Time to come, and that my Paper may become still more generally agreeable, I have resolved not to regard my own Humour so much in what I print; and thereupon I give my Readers the two following Letters. [August 8]\n\tLast Saturday Morning died here, the Lady of our worthy Governor, at his Country-House near this City, after an Illness which for some Months past had seized her, tho\u2019 she was confined to her Bed four days only before her Death: Her Corpse being brought to Town early on Sunday Morning was decently and honourably interred in our Church about Eight in the Evening. She was descended of an honourable Family in the Southern part of Scotland, which suffered much thro\u2019 their too great Attachment to that unhappy Prince King James the Second: Her two Brothers bred up by their Father in the Protestant Religion, being afterwards seduced from it, the Eldest, dead some years since, held an high Office in the Court of the late Duke of Tuscany, and the other is now Confessor to His most Catholick Majesty. This Lady was much esteemed by all that knew her, for her solid good Sense, exemplary Piety and extensive Charity, in which last few were more private, or according to their Circumstances more bountiful to the unfortunate. She died a true Protestant of the Communion  of the Church of England, for which she had so great an Esteem and Veneration, that very advantageous Offers made to her by her Brothers could not draw her aside from a strict Adherence to the Principles of that excellent Church. Her Death is universally lamented here, and she has left behind her a numerous Family to deplore their irreparable Loss. [September 19]\n\tAn Express from New-Castle having late last Thursday Night brought the agreeable News, that the Honourable John Penn, Esq; the eldest of our Proprietors, with his Brother-in-Law Mr. Freame, his Lady and Family were on board a Ship from London, then off New-Castle, and standing up this River; The Honourable Thomas Penn, Esq, with several Gentlemen of this City, hasted early next Morning to Chester (the late afflicting Loss in our Governor\u2019s Family, preventing him from making one of the Number). Mr. Penn, Mr. Freame and his Lady came on Shore at that Place about Four in the Afternoon, and after passing that Night there, set out for this City about Nine in the Morning. They were met at Skuylkil River by several Ladies, who came to pay their Compliments to Mrs. Freame on her Arrival, and passing that Ferry, were received by the Mayor, Recorder, and Commonalty of the City, in whose Name the Recorder made the following Speech: [Text is not reproduced here]. Then proceeding forward with a Train of several Coaches, Chaises, and a very numerous Company on Horse-back, they were saluted at their Entrance into the City, with a Discharge of the Guns on Society-Hill, and afterwards by most of the Ships in our River; about Three in the Afternoon, they alighted at their Brother\u2019s House, where an elegant Entertainment was provided for the Ladies, and also for the Gentlemen of the Council of this Province. [September 25]\n\tYesterday Morning Michael Welfare, one of the Christian Philosophers of Conestogoe, appeared in full Market in the Habit of a Pilgrim, his Hat of Linnen, his Beard at full Length, and a long Staff in his Hand. He declared himself sent by Almighty God, to denounce Vengeance against the Iniquity and Wickedness of the Inhabitants of this City and Province, without speedy Repentance. The Earnestness of his Discourse, which continu\u2019d near a quarter of an Hour; the Vehemence of his Action, and the Importance of what he delivered, commanded the Attention of a Multitude of People. And when he had finished he went away unmolested. [September 25]\n\t\u2020\u2020\u2020 This present Paper, No. 303, finishes the Fifth Year, since the Printer hereof undertook the Gazette; no more need be said to my generous Subscribers, to re-mind them, that every one of those who are above a Twelvemonth in Arrear, has it in his Power to contribute considerably towards the Happiness of his most obliged humble Servant, B. Franklin\n\t[September 25]\nJust Published, Poor Richard: An Almanack for the Year 1735; containing the Lunations, Eclipses, Planets Motions and Aspects, Weather, Sun and Moon\u2019s Rising and Setting, Highwater, &c. Besides many pleasant and witty Verses, Jests and notable Sayings, as usual. Proofs of Titan\u2019s Death, predicted in 1733. Titan\u2019s Ghost. Saturn, Mars, and Penn\u2019s People. Receipt how to make Cuckolds. Bad Commentators. Impudent Hibham. Ignorant Politicians. Eyes and Priests. William\u2019s Wife. Well-bred Sally. Cunning and Wisdom. The Miser. Lewis the Great prov\u2019d to be little. Unlearned wise Men. Sam\u2019s Wife\u2019s Curse. Great Wits jump. Hal\u2019s Management. Abstinent Tim. Halfwitted Railers at all Women. The Orator. Habit of Lying. Sally\u2019s Teeth. The generous Sun. What makes Folks amiable. The Lawyer\u2019s Saint, &c. By Richard Saunders, Philomat. Printed and Sold by B. Franklin. Price 3s. 6d. per Dozen.\nNote, Jerman\u2019s Almanacks are in the Press, and will speedily be published. [November 7]\n\t[Advertisement] Any Gentleman that has any Occasion for a Book-Keeper, may be informed of one by the Printer hereof. [December 12]\n\u2042 Lent at different Times (and forgot to whom) the following Books, viz. Whiston\u2019s Astronomical Principles of Religion; Croxall\u2019s Esop; Watts\u2019s Lyric Poems sacred to Piety, Virtue and Friendship; Steel\u2019s Dramatick Works; Discourse of Free-Thinking: The Persons that borrow\u2019d them are desired to return them to the Printer of this Paper.\nHe has in his Hands the 2d Vol. of Cowley\u2019s Works in Octavo, of which he does not know the Owner. [December 12]\n\tAny Person who has a Servant to dispose of that is a Scholar, and can teach Children Reading, Writing and Arithmetick, may hear of a Purchaser by enquiring of the Printer hereof. [December 26]\nPhiladelphia: Printed by B. Franklin, at the New Printing-Office near the Market. Price 10s. a Year. Where Advertisements are taken in, and Book-Binding is done reasonably, in the best Manner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1734}
]